Hot Topics:

Retrial for caretaker in missing Fla. girl case

The Associated Press

Posted:
03/15/2013 12:32:47 PM EDT

MIAMI—Prosecutors in Miami have decided to retry the caretaker of missing 4-year-old foster child Rilya Wilson on a murder charge.

A jury in January convicted 68-year-old Geralyn Graham of kidnapping and child abuse but could not agree on a murder count. Graham was sentenced to 55 years in prison for the convictions, but prosecutors said Friday they will try her again for murder.

A judge set a September trial date.

Rilya vanished in December 2000 from Graham's home but her disappearance wasn't noticed for 15 months, largely because a Department of Children and Families caseworker neglected to check on the girl. Rilya's body has never been found.

The state's case hinges largely on jailhouse informants who say Graham confessed to them. Graham insists she is innocent.